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CMD 18-M47.4
File/dossier : 6.02.04 Date : 2018-11-23 Edocs pdf : 5717628 Oral Presentation Written submission from the Sagamok Anishnawbek In the Matter of Regulatory Oversight Report for Uranium and Nuclear Substance Processing Facilities in Canada: 2017
Exposé oral Mémoire de Sagamok Anishnawbek À l’égard de Rapport de surveillance réglementaire des installations de traitement de l’uranium et des substances nucléaires au Canada : 2017
Commission Meeting December 13, 2018
Réunion de la Commission Le 13 décembre 2018
SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK REPORT
Canadian Nuclear Commission Public Proceedings in Ottawa,
Ontario
November 2018
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 2
Sagamok Anishnawbek Peoples Sagamok Anishnawbek (Sagamok) is located on the north shore of Lake Huron. It is a beautiful community whose name means 'two points joining'. Sagamok's culture and language is Anishinabek and is made up of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi tribes. Also known as the Three Fires Peoples, the total community members of Sagamok number at 2,875 (June 2018). A little over 50% (1,578) of the membership lives on reserve, with the remainder living in urban locations. Sagamok is a place of rich stories, legends and history that derive from time immemorial. Once the summer camps of the original peoples who came down from Biscotasing and other areas on the interior of the Spanish River Watershed, it is now the permanent home to many of those descendants. Sagamok is an ancestor-based village that is known for its diversity, prosperity and growth. Sagamok Anishnawbek is organized into seven key departments to deliver programs and services to the community members, as well as to members living outside of the Sagamok community. They are as follows: Administration Department, Community Wellness Department, Education Department, Planning & Infrastructure Department, Lands Resources and Environment Department, Economic Development and Housing Department.
Sagamok Anishnawbek’s Stewards of “Mother Earth” The people of Sagamok have been practicing natural law traditions and living in harmony with “Mother Earth” since time immemorial. Theses traditions are unlike written laws passed by a parliamentary constitution process, have stemmed from the “Creation Stories” of the Anishnawbek. It is through lived experiences, through interaction with all of creation that are contained in different stories that teach us the meaning of life, how to relate to one another and to understand our place in creation. Stories reveal detailed relationships, on how to live in mutually sustaining relationships and to ensure the continued well-being of “Mother Earth” and all her creatures. Example being, the Anishnawbek have a relationship with the moose; therefore, have inherent duties and responsibilities to the moose; such as not hunting during the winter months when the moose are most vulnerable. The stories contain important values, customs and beliefs that have formed the basis of the customary practices, traditions and stewardship of the lands used by the Anishnawbek. Furthermore, these principles can be used to develop contemporary laws relating to the land, water, flora and fauna. The protection of “Mother Earth” is of the up most importance to the Anishnawbek. The community story process is essentially one in which community members reflect together on what is really happening, or not happening, and on what needs to be done
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 3
in order to address the communities needs and to achieve consensus goals. This is the third time Sagamok has gone through this exercise to measure its community development progress. During the seven years between 2003 and 2010 the process of systematic reflection and dialogue at the heart of the community story has become normalized within community life in Sagamok. Community members have learned that their views really do matter, and that their participation is helping to shape the future of Sagamok. It is now considered normal and proper that the community consult together on important issues, and that from these discussions, a shared vision of “the community we want” will emerge. This is a remarkable achievement in democracy, one which Canada as a country would do well to emulate. See link provided for full community story. https://sagamok.ca/documents/assets/uploads/files/en/sagamok_community_story_2015_fw_final.pdf A representation of the Sagamok elders of today, have shared their knowledge on what the responsibilities are in relation to “Mother Earth”. The fundamental principles that were identified are summarized as follows:
Be respectful by not over harvesting. Only take what you need. This applies to all resources, plants, trees, animals, etc. When you harvest something from the land, offer tobacco and give thanks;
Protect and take care of the land and water. Clean-up after yourself and do not litter;
Respect wildlife by not harvesting during vulnerable times of the year, such as during the winter when females are carrying offspring;
Respect animal and fish habitat; Avoid introducing invasive species; When harvesting, try not to disturb/harm anything else in the area; Do not throw objects (i.e. rocks, foreign objects, etc.) into water or off hills; and Know and use proper harvesting techniques, i.e. bark and sweet grass
It is important that these relationships are maintained, and the knowledge is shared, practiced and passed on to the youth and future generations.
Project Gaabizhawebek (Background) Sagamok’s Lands, Resources and Environment Department (LRE) was provided notice of the up-coming Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) meeting and participant funding offerings for the review of two regulatory oversight reports. The two reports were: The Regulatory Oversight Report for Uranium Processing and Nuclear Processing Facilities in Canada: 2017 and The Regulatory Oversight Report for Uranium Mines, Mills, Historic and Decommissioned Sites in Canada: 2017.
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 4
Sagamok is aware of nuclear industries operating within its territories, specifically the Cameco Uranium Processing Facility in Blind River, Ontario and historic uranium mining/milling and decommissioning activities, in Elliot Lake and Agnew Lake areas. Current and historic knowledge encouraged Sagamok to apply for CNSC Participant Funding Program in August 2018. Sagamok was successful in obtaining intervention status and signed Participant Funding Contribution Agreements for both references reports (PFP 2018 NPFD ROR and PMP 2018 UMM ROR) in October 2018. A final report is to be submitted to CNSC in November 2018. The community has some awareness of nuclear related issues, as it was involved in the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) process of identifying willing host communities to engage in a site selection process to host a deep geological repository (DGR) for future storage of nuclear products waste. Several Northshore (Lake Huron) townships and towns expressed interest with the NWMO, Sagamok’s interest during this time was on a “Learn More” process. Additional information provided to Sagamok on three (3) potential DGR locations, being within the traditional territories of Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River First Nation and Mississauga First Nation. The Mozhabong Site is located within the traditional territory of Sagamok and was the only site that was reviewed/investigated as a potential host location. In response to gain more knowledge and information the community engaged NWMO in June of 2014 through the “Learn More” process. Sagamok canvassed the community for their input and thoughts on this NWMO process and potential radioactive waste being stored long-term within its treaty lands. The results completed in December 2017, of NWMO’s investigation process indicated the Mozhabong Site was not feasible and no further work was done. Project Waazhichigeng (Scope) Sagamok’s Lands, Resources and Environment Department was tasked with taking the lead on this project and determined the following scope of work:
Develop a plan to address community concerns and objectives; Adhere to CNSC Recipient Participant Funding Contribution Agreements; Retain Mr. Sam Gauvreau and Mr. Derek Erickson to review Regulatory
Oversight Report for Uranium Processing and Nuclear Processing Facilities in Canada: 2017 and Oversight Report for Uranium Mines, Mills, Historic Decommissioned Sites in Canada: 2017;
Focus meeting(s) on gathering traditional ecological/environmental knowledge on Cameco uranium processing facility in Blind River, Elliot Lake decommissioned mines and Agnew Lake decommissioned mine;
Prepare for community presentations to Elders, Youth Council and other interested members;
Schedule meetings, prepare pre-knowledge survey and facilitate discussion questions (see Appendix A);
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 5
Record meetings information collected (see Appendix B); Submit report findings and recommendations; and Participate in CNSC Commission meeting(s) in Ottawa, Ontario.
Project Gaazhimkigeng (Findings) Sagamok Lands, Resources and Environment staff findings were based on presentation of referenced Oversight Reports information sessions, pre-knowledge survey and post-presentation discussions. Based on the Pre-Knowledge Survey the following conclusions are offered by community participants:
Close to 40% of respondents have never heard of CNSC; Close to 50% of respondents do not know the role of the CNSC; 65% of respondents never heard of the annual CNSC Regulatory Oversight
Reports referenced in this project; Over 40% of respondents were aware of nuclear associated activities in their
region; Over 60% of respondents did not feel nuclear industry provides opportunities
and/or sufficiently informs indigenous peoples; 85% of respondents were unsure if nuclear industry is doing a good job as it
relates to safety, protection of environment and transparency; and Approximately 25% of respondents know someone who worked in the nuclear
industry. Pre-Knowledge Survey Results Question 1: Have you ever heard of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission? Yes - 19 %, No - 38 %, Unsure 43 % Question 2: Do you know what role the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission plays in Canada? Yes - 15 %, No - 46%, Unsure 29 %, (2 participants did not respond) Question 3: Have you ever heard of the annual Regulatory Oversight Reports which offers information on the safety performance of Canadian licensees who are authorized to use nuclear substances? Yes - 10%, No - 65%, Unsure - 25 %
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 6
Question 4: Are you aware of any companies or entities that operate or have operated in activities associated with nuclear industry (i.e. mining, milling, processing of uranium products)? Yes - 43%, No - 38 %, Unsure - 19 % Question 5: Do you feel the nuclear industry adequately provides opportunities and informs indigenous peoples on industry practices? Yes - 10%, No - 62 %, Unsure - 28% Question 6: Do you feel the nuclear industry is doing a good job as it relates to safety, protection of environment and transparency? Yes - 5%, No - 10%, Unsure - 85% Question 7: Do you know anyone that works in the nuclear industry? Yes - 24%, No - 57%, Unsure - 19% Notes: Survey results were based on 21 community participants
Post-Presentation Discussion Questions and Results Based on post-presentation questions the following conclusions are offered by community participants: Question 1: What questions or concerns (if any) do you have regarding the Regulatory Oversight Reports associated with Uranium Processing and Nuclear Facilities in Canada and Uranium Mines, Mills, Historic and Decommissioned sites in Canada?
Questions related to inspections done by the CNSC at operating and decommissioned nuclear/radioactive associated facilities. Such as are they announced to licensees ahead of time prior to site visits;
Concerns about Elliot Lake and Agnew Lake tailings management and water treatment/quality leaving these decommissioned sites into watersheds (Serpent River; Sauble River and Spanish River);
Concerns about past radiation monitoring/exposure of people working in the uranium mines, mills and processing facilities, especially proximal to Sagamok lands;
Concerns associated with barium chloride usage in treatment of tailings effluents in Elliot Lake Decommissioning water treatment process and potential environmental impacts; and
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 7
Concerns were raised about potential impacts to Sagamok lands to the north of community (Richie Falls area) where traditional fall harvest and commercial business operations are located.
Question 2: How might the CNSC (watch dogs in the nuclear industry) adopt better procedures and policies associated with their mandate?
The SCA performance rating of SA=satisfactory used in the 14 current categories applied by CNSC, does not provide the community with confidence that safe levels are being achieved, especially when the indigenous communities are not part of this evaluation process;
Community expressed interest in receiving sampling data updates for Cameco uranium processing facility and Decommissioned Elliot Lake and Agnew Lake uranium mines;
The Federal government has funded nuclear research and development for many years. This support has enabled Canada to develop its own nuclear power technology and related technologies. Indigenous communities wish to benefit from training and opportunities available in the industry;
Allow indigenous representative(s) the opportunity to be directly involved in CNSC inspection visits and participate in compliance verification activities at locations of interest to community; and
Visit indigenous communities to share knowledge and gain open knowledge that will enhance future policy development.
Question 3: How might the CNSC incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into conducting their practices of assessing the safety and performance of facilities (past, present and future)?
Discussions related to how long the referenced CNSC regulatory reports have been produced and when were indigenous peoples first consulted for input on these environmental issues;
Additional enquiries around the SCA performance rating scheme and rationale currently employed. Work with indigenous groups to develop a TEK category in the performance rating used by CNSC inspection staff at nuclear industry facilities.
Indigenous people have a different “world view” on energy and extraction of resources and needs to be incorporated into environmental aspects of resource development;
Uranium and nuclear processing facility operations must continue to understand and apply TEK to improve sustainability aspects in their business practices; and
Adopt TEK insight, implementing Indigenous Customs, Traditions and Beliefs into environmental assessment and evaluation of current and future licensees.
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 8
Question 4: Are there any additional questions or areas of concern that any of the Elder or Youth participants may want the Sagamok leadership to voice at CNSC Commission proceedings in Ottawa?
Concerns and sadness associated with high types of cancers amongst members who worked at the Elliot Lake mining/milling operations dating back to 1950s;
Concerns of barium chloride usage in treatment of uranium tailings effluents and potential bioaccumulation effects to human and animal populations;
Concerns about how radiation exposure levels are adequately controlled at current uranium processing facilities and interested in how current licensees are issued;
What are the acceptable safe limits/standards in industry and how often do they get up-dated with new information on radiation exposure; and
Indigenous communities have in-house capacity to gather data, assess and implement changes to environment in which they exist. Questions were raised about Sagamok and other communities being directly involved in monitoring of locations in and adjacent to territorial lands.
Notes: Survey results were based on 21 community participants
Based on general discussions the following conclusions are offered by community participants:
Peoples were interested in who was monitoring the safety of uranium processing and mines before the CNSC was established and these reports were being produced;
Peoples were disappointed and saddened to think that uranium products from within their lands may have been used for nuclear bombs used on the Japanese people during the end of WWII;
Peoples raised concerns about past and present uranium operations proximal to community and possible effects on birthrates, youth and general population at large;
Peoples were interested if any indigenous people worked for the CNSC; and Peoples enquired if other local indigenous neighboring communities were
involved in this CNSC process and if they were aware of these meetings.
Sagamok Anishnawbek – CNSC Public Proceedings December 2018 Page 9
Project Gezhichigenggoba (Recommendations) Based on findings Sagamok would recommend the following actions:
1. Present CNSC Report to Chief and Council and G’Daa Kiim-Non Committee and relevant follow-up information provided or requested.
2. Improve the Indigenous Community engagement and relationship building via formation of Indigenous Citizens Committee (ICC).
3. Provide community with up-dated environmental monitoring data (i.e. IEMP) of Cameco Fuel Processing facility, Agnew Lake and Elliot Lake Decommissioned Mine sites.
4. Include indigenous representative(s) the opportunity to be directly involved in CNSC inspection visits and participate in compliance verification activities at locations of interest to indigenous communities.
5. Create annual funding programs and scholarships to provide training opportunities for youth of indigenous communities and programs that provide community members a chance to learn about nuclear industry practices.
6. Invite CNSC staff into community to enhance knowledge, promote transparency and discuss items of importance to indigenous peoples.
7. Incorporate TEK sustainability insights, implementing their customs, traditions and beliefs into environmental assessment and performance evaluations of nuclear licensee holders.
8. Provide for annual site visits/inspections at the Cameco refinery, Elliot Lake and Agnew Lake decommissioned sites.
APPENDIX A - Survey and Discussion Questions
Participant Name: _______________________________ Date: ______________________
Sagamok Anishnawbek Participant Pre-Knowledge Survey and Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever heard of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission?
Y or N or Unsure
2. Do you know what role the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission plays in
Canada?
Y or N or Unsure
3. Have you ever heard of the annual Regulatory Oversight Reports which
offers information on the safety performance of Canadian licensees who are
authorized to use nuclear substances?
Y or N or Unsure
4. Are you aware of any companies or entities that operate or have operated in
activities associated with nuclear industry (i.e. mining, milling, processing of
uranium products)?
Y or N or Unsure
5. Do you feel the nuclear industry adequately provides opportunities and
informs indigenous peoples on industry practices?
Y or N or Unsure
6. Do you feel the nuclear industry is doing a good job as it relates to safety,
protection of environment and transparency?
Y or N or Unsure
7. Do you know anyone that works in the nuclear industry?
Y or N or Unsure
Participant Name: _______________________________ Date: ______________________
Sagamok Anishnawbek Participant Pre-Knowledge Survey and Discussion Questions
1. What questions or concerns (if any) do you have regarding the Regulatory
Oversight Reports associated with Uranium Processing and Nuclear
Facilities in Canada and Uranium Mines, Mills, Historic and
Decommissioned sites in Canada?
2. How might the CNSC (watch dogs in the nuclear industry) adopt better
procedures and policies associated with their mandate?
3. How might the CNSC incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
into conducting their practices of assessing the safety and performance of
facilities (past, present and future)?
4. Are there any additional questions or areas of concern that any of the Elder
or Youth participants may want the Sagamok leadership to voice at CNSC
Commission proceedings in Ottawa?
APPENDIX B - Meeting Minutes Records
Minutes Approval:
Chair Name: _______________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________
Name of Meeting/Workshop:
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Date of Meeting:
November 15, 2018
Time of Meeting:
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Type/Mode of Meeting:
Committee Information Presentation
Title of Meeting: Presentation/Feedback
Meeting Called By: Ross Assinewe, LRE Dir. Location: Z’gamok Wasseyaankaan Teg,
610 Sagamok Road Unit 7
Sagamok Anishnawbek
Chair: Ross Assinewe
Participants:
Kitchi-Anishnawbek - Harvey Trudeau, Dolores Trudeau, Jeanne McLeod, Grace Manitowabi, Jackie Bob, Dianne Bob, Isobel Abitong, Frank
Abitong, Jessie Hardisty, Bernadette Southwind and Edward Southwind
Young Warriors Youth Council - Elijah Toulouse, Felicity Southwind
Staff: Ross Assinewe, Cynthia Owl
Guests: Derek Erickson
Regrets: Patricia Trudeau, Pauline Toulouse, Marcella Jones, Juanita McNichol, Ashley Southwind, Kalah Guinard, Gavin Trudeau, Connor Trudeau,
Carson Abitong
Welcomes: Ross Assinewe Adjournment: Ross Assinewe
Meeting Objective(s):
▪ Opening Prayer
▪ Welcomes/Introduction
▪ Presentation
▪ Feedback
▪ Closing
Agenda Item Lead Purpose/Action
1. Opening Prayer Grace M Introductions/greetings
2.Introductions Ross A Introduced Derek Erickson - Provides introduction of CNSC mandate and
purpose of presentation
- working with the people
-getting feedback/concerns
-presenting information on Cameco Corporation and Elliot Lake Tailings
-this is a discussion between elders, youth and presenter
3. Presentation Derek E CNSC Commission Public Meeting
Two Regulatory Oversight Reports 2017 to discuss
-general topic introduction and his background
-distributed participant survey to gauge topic pre-knowledge
-provided highlights and discussed the large CNSC reports (approx. 400-
page documents)
Derek E Went over questions in survey and Harvey Trudeau did Anishnawbemowin
for the Elders
-description presented to participants
- mined uranium in Elliot Lake, Agnew Lake adjacent to Sagamok territory
- Uranium refinery in Blind River, circa 1983
- 85% of world’s uranium is processed here
4.Questions and Concerns from
participants
Grace M Was CNSC involved prior to the 1980s?
Response - CNSC established in 2000. Before it was called Atomic Energy
of Control Board (AECB).
Grace M Mentioned the numerous cancer cases of people that worked for the mine
including her husband which resulted in death.
Questioned the incident when they found mercury in First Nation hair
follicles.
Dolores T Do you the Indigenous World View of energy? They evaluate totally
differently.
Grace M Mentioned the uranium that was carried by canoe and used to make a bomb.
First Nation people to this day cry and get very upset when they talk about
this.
Harvey T What does “at all facilities adequately controlled radiation “exposure”
mean? Is this an acceptable guideline?
Grace M I am concerned about the men working in Cameco. Are they safe? These
miners are exposed.
Dolores T What body parts do they affect?
Grace M Are there any other First Nation communities involved in this process?
Response – Ross – explained that we applied for this
Cynthia O Concerns for effects of bloodline and offspring/children.
Harvey T Can you explain to the participants what “tailings” are in simplest terms?
Response – tailings are fine sand crushed ore, it is left over waste, stored in
a pond so oxygen doesn’t break it down anymore.
Ross informed participants of the water testing that LRE does at the mines.
Grace M What kind of long-term impact is there with Barium chloride?
Dolores T Have someone (First Nation) come talk to our community.
Grace M How far back do the incident reports go?
Response - Topical Oversight Reports dated back to 2013
Ross A Participants are not happy with “satisfactory”, it should be at a higher
standard than this!!
Task Cynthia O Minutes to be completed ASAP (November 16, 2018)
Derek E
Ross A
Draft report to be completed for Friday, November 23, 2018
Ross A Report to be presented to G’Daa Kiim-Non and Chief and Council.
Any questions or concerns regarding Elliot Lake, Cameco and Sister
Communities, that anyone has can be forwarded to Harvey T., Derek E.,
Ross A. so they can be expressed.
Dolores T Why aren’t other First Nations involved?
Ross A We would like to see benefits for our First Nation from Cameco such as
IBA, MOU, presentations, compensation and consultation. It should be their
mandate.
Inclusive in surrounding communities.
Grace M Our main concern is our water, it is our life.
Elijah T Our main concern is our environment
Dolores T Are there alternative methods that they can use other than chemicals?
Derek E Distributed follow up questionnaire, participants are to return to Cynthia O.
if needed she will arrange to retrieve them from the residents.
Closing Prayer Grace M
Meeting Adjourned: 7:00 pm
Name of Meeting/Workshop:
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Date of Meeting:
November 21, 2018
Time of Meeting:
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Type/Mode of Meeting:
Committee Information Presentation
Title of Meeting: Presentation/Feedback
Meeting Called By: Ross Assinewe, LRE Dir. Location: Enji Wii Ji Gaagwitaadaying
Agaamik,
Sagamok Anishnawbek
Chair: Ross Assinewe
Participants:
Kitchi-Anishnawbek - Patricia Trudeau, Pauline Toulouse, Juanita McNichol, Jeanne McLeod, Grace Manitowabi, Isobel Abitong, Frank Abitong,
Jessie Hardisty,
Young Warriors Youth Council - Elijah Toulouse, Kalah-Rayne Pottier-Guinard, Gavin Trudeau, Connor Trudeau
Staff: Ross Assinewe, Cynthia Owl, Bruce McGregor
Guests: Derek Erickson
Regrets: Harvey Trudeau, Dolores Trudeau, Marcella Jones, Jackie Bob, Dianne Bob, Lavina Southwind, Edward Southwind, Felicity Southwind,
Ashley Southwind, Carson Abitong
Welcomes: Ross Assinewe Adjournment: Ross Assinewe
Meeting Objective(s):
▪ Opening Prayer
▪ Welcomes/Introduction
▪ Presentation
▪ Feedback
▪ Closing
Agenda Item Lead Purpose/Action
1. Opening Prayer Grace M Introductions/greetings
2.Introductions Ross A Briefing on;
-minutes, past meeting review discussion,
-Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Draft Report Review
-Meeting/Presentation in December 13, 2018
-extend invitation to Chief Nelson Toulouse to attend Meeting in Ottawa for
December 13, 2018
-discussion on notification to Sagamok First Nation when there is a leak and
what measures are being taken
3. Introduction Derek E Presentation on draft report to committee, Canadian Nuclear Commission
Public Proceedings in Ottawa, Ontario. December 2018
Grace M Are we the only First Nation to be involved in this?
Ross - Maybe Cutler
Derek - Algonquins participated in this process recently.
Derek E Welcomed the Warrior Youth Council, Elder’s Council and Staff to the
meeting. Very pleased to see more new faces.
Meeting goal is to capture the feelings, concerns and recommendations for
draft report to be sent to CNSC.
Derek responded to Grace M. question from prior meeting.
- How far back do incident reports go?
- Referenced Regulatory Oversight Reports searched extend back to
2013.
4.Questions and Concerns from
participants
Grace M Was Decommissioning NRU brought this to the Algonquins’ attention?
Reference made to Decommissioned of Chalk River Reactor
Grace M If Elliot Lake is on the border line of Ritchie Falls, what is the connection to
the watershed? Connect by lakes, streams, etc.
Discussion on elevation, swamps, water levels, filtration.
There may be a connection at Whiskey Lake or McCarthy Lake.
Grace M Should check the water quality at Whiskey Lake.
Could ground water contamination be a concern.
Jessie Has some concerns of the chlorine in the water, strong odor. Concerns of
the drinking water.
Do they test the town of Massey’s drinking water, as it is the closest?
Derek - Town follows Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure adequate chlorine
residue concentrations as well as other to ensure chemical, biological and
radioactive parameters.
Ross - The chlorine smell may be an indication that there may not be
enough chlorine in the water.
Grace M Why don’t we get surrounding communities involved? It was their concern
in the past.
75% of people in Massey are diagnosed with various forms of cancer.
Is the main concern our water or environment?
Derek- A number of things may be contributing factors: environmental
aspects, genetic, lifestyle and occupation, etc.
Grace M What is that big pipe at Cameco going into Lake Huron water?
Derek - It is a water intake pipe.
Derek E Who is doing current monitoring, Sagamok should be involved directly or
indirectly. Request updates on sampling programs under the IEMP at
interested uranium and nuclear energy and uranium processing facilities.
Grace M Are there any other First Nation communities involved in this process?
Response – Ross – explained that we applied for this
Presentation Derek E Canadian Nuclear Commission Public Proceedings in Ottawa, Ontario
December 2018
Displayed on projector.
Derek E Discussion on six (6) key departments that deliver programs to the Sagamok
Anishnawbek.
Grace M Concerned with Our background…input.
Pauline T Anything about the Community Story, I think it is important.
Derek - Yes it can be captured in report and referenced it.
Ross - capture it in a summary.
Grace M Can we change the heading?
“Stewards of the Land” as the new heading.
Grace M Can we change the headings to Anishnawbemowin?
Kalah-Rayne - volunteered to translate as she has a reference book for
translation. Task
Grace M Page 3 - We are aware of what’s going on in Our backyard, we do not want
this in it.
Ross A “Learn More Process” on NWMO engagement
Ross to look into it. Task
Pat T What about the containers?
Transportation is the biggest concern.
Grace M Training was brought in for the transportation such as emergency disaster,
accident and fire training, etc.
Jessie H This is just the beginning.
Bruce We can insert the link into the draft. Bruce M emailed Derek E the link to
the community story.
Pauline T We would like to include more of our traditional customs into report,
Mother Earth and Holistic Approach.
Ross- mentioned including “Customs, traditions and beliefs” Task
Derek E Have someone work to translate subheadings.
Work with Margaret Toulouse to translate. Task
? Include “Young Warriors Youth Council’ in Project Scope (Page $4) Task
Juanita M Can we change the wording for “40 % of respondents were aware?” Task
“60 % of respondents were not aware of nuclear….” – Page 4 - Task
Juanita M Can we also change the wording to “and did not adequately inform
indigenous peoples” - Page 5 - Task
Grace M Us elders are concerned about the children.
“Future indigenous populations will have to deal with legacy impacts of
radioactive waste generated and hopefully some opportunities associated
with these issues will be available to the youth.
Recommendations Grace M How often are they going to respond?
Derek - It is a yearly Oversight Report process across the nuclear licensee
holders. There are additional safe guards and assurances embedded in the
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
Ross A It would be good to have Scholarships for 1. Youth to assist with
monitoring and to inform and understand processes, 2. Education
opportunities.
Elijah T How do incidents affect our livelihood? How do they inform us?
Should there be an Indigenous Advisory Committee - One Leadership?
What does it impact?
/? Reporting to First Nations needs to be identified
Environmental Assessment Act needs continue to respect Indigenous values
and views associated with environmental aspects/impacts of projects.
Bruce M Request Transport Canada/MTO do a presentation on transportation of
Nuclear Products across our traditional territories.
Grace M How many times do we meet?
Derek - quarterly would be effective.
Patricia T We have limited information, we need to be more informed.
Juanita M Our number one concern is the protection of the water for First Nations,
animals, the whole world.
Underground pipes and the safety plan? Also, the science behind water
treatment and safe distribution.
Grace M Samuel Manitowabi (Grace’s grandson) is going to bring a report to the
Lands, Resource and Environment Department on the rotting moose and
water.
Bruce M We should include the Nuclear Waste Management Organization
recommendations in this process…
Ross A Water Quality
Advisory Committee
LCC – Local Citizens Committee
ICC – Indigenous Citizens Committee – an advisory committee, include
Serpent River, Mississauga and Atikameksheng, the youth council and
elder’s council.
Include the Community Story with the link
- Long-term (5-10) year process from mining to decommission of
mine.
No report on Agnew Lake decommission.
Request a standalone report or up-date on Agnew Lake information - Task
Bruce M Any monitoring on Agnew Lake Site
Response – I believe the last one was in 1983.
Patricia T Was it Uranium?
Ross – Yes.
Bruce M Could the First Nations request a report from NWMO/CNSC? DGR
process?
Grace M When will we be updated? After December?
Derek - In the New Year, unfortunately it will take time to gather
information and response process.
Ross Will inform the Chief and Council on draft, December 13, 2018.
Ross Cynthia O will provide Draft Report on USB to Elder’s Committee and
Youth Council on December 4, 2018 after it has been met with by G’Daa
Kiim-Non Committee.
Closing Prayer Grace M
Meeting Adjourned: 7:00 pm